NVIDIA Opens New Tech Center

We may not yet have the flying cars we’ve hoped for, but automobiles have progressed in other directions, even with all four wheels still firmly on the ground. Touch screens, GPS and voice control are among a few features new cars are sporting. Connectivity is the next big step, bringing enhanced user control and situational awareness.

NVIDIA is ready to push forward in the automotive industry. The company has opened a new center in Ann Arbor, MI dedicated to advancing automotive tech. In the remnants of the rust belt, silicon is slowly taking the place of steel and automotive manufacturing.

NVIDIA's Jetson automotive development system. Courtesy of NVIDIA.

“I’m pleased to see more technology-focused companies look to the state of Michigan as a resourceful home and partner,” said Michael Finney, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “NVIDIA’s commitment to the state of Michigan is an encouraging sign for future growth and jobs in the technology and automotive industries.”

Among the technologies likely to undergo development at the new center are NVIDIA’s Tegra graphics processor and the Jetson Automotive Development Platform. Tegra has already been put to use by Audiin its multimedia system, but the processor is capable of far more than determining which MP3 to play. The Jetson Automotive Development Platform includes a Tegra processor and may eventually offer an enhanced graphical overview of your car’s surroundings, making for safer driving and better GPS.